US 8886536

A technical analysis of U.S. Patent 8,886,536 reveals the following details:

Title: System and method for delivering targeted advertisements and tracking advertisement interactions in voice recognition contexts

Assignee: VB Assets LLC

Inventors: Tom Freeman, Mike Kennewick

Filing Date: September 3, 2013

Issue Date: November 11, 2014

Abstract:
The system and method described in this patent utilize various natural language models to deliver targeted advertisements and monitor user interactions with these ads within voice recognition environments. Specifically, when a device receives a spoken utterance, a conversational language processor selects and presents one or more advertisements tailored to the user. This selection is based on cognitive models of the user, profiles of similar users, the user's current environment, and other criteria. The system then tracks subsequent interactions with the targeted advertisements to refine these cognitive models, thereby improving the relevance of future targeted ads.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

U.S. Patent 8,886,536 has four independent claims: 1, 32, 33, and 37. Here is a plain-language explanation of each:

Claim 1: A computer-implemented method for providing promotional content based on a conversation.

This claim describes a method where a computer system interacts with a user through a conversation. The system receives a first spoken statement from the user and provides a response. When the user says a second, related statement, the system uses the context of the first statement to better understand the second one. It does this by sending the recognized words from the second statement to different "domain agents" (specialized software modules for topics like "music" or "navigation"). These agents each provide an interpretation, and the system chooses the best one. Based on this chosen interpretation, the system selects and presents a relevant advertisement to the user.

In simple terms, this claim covers a smart advertising system that listens to a conversation, understands what is being discussed, and then shows an ad that is relevant to the topic.

Claim 32: A system for providing promotional content based on a conversation.

This claim describes the hardware that performs the method outlined in Claim 1. It specifies a system with one or more physical processors that are programmed to:

• Receive a first spoken statement and respond.
• Receive a second, related spoken statement.
• Use the context of the first statement to help interpret the second.
• Use different "domain agents" to determine the best interpretation of the second statement.
• Select and present a relevant ad based on that interpretation.

Essentially, this is the physical device or server that is built to do what is described in Claim 1.

Claim 33: A computer-implemented method for reinterpreting a user's statement to provide promotional content.

This claim is similar to Claim 1 but adds the element of reinterpretation. It describes a situation where a user has a conversation with the system (first and second statements). However, when the user provides a third statement during the same conversation, the system can use this new information to go back and change its understanding of the second statement. The system then selects an ad based on either its original understanding or its new, revised understanding.

In essence, this allows the system to correct itself mid-conversation and provide more accurate ads as it learns more about what the user wants.

Claim 37: A computer-implemented method for using promotional content to clarify ambiguous requests.

This claim focuses on situations where the user's request is unclear. The system receives a spoken statement, recognizes that it is incomplete or ambiguous, and then presents an ad that is related to the potential topic. By monitoring how the user interacts with this ad (e.g., if they click on it, ask a follow-up question, or ignore it), the system can better understand the user's original, unclear request.

This can be thought of as the system making an educated guess by showing an ad. The user's reaction to the ad helps the system figure out what they were trying to ask in the first place.

Litigation Status:

As of April 26, 2026, a search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any publicly available information regarding appeals or litigation involving U.S. Patent 8,886,536. However, this does not definitively mean there is no active litigation, as cases can exist at the District Court level before any appeal to the CAFC. A comprehensive search of all federal district court dockets would be required for a complete litigation assessment.